Leeds United fans are waiting for the 49ers to change their strategy and focus on incoming arrivals at Elland Road this summer, but Dan James is already pleased with one thing they have done so far.
In the first several weeks, the Leeds board and transfer team, which included Nick Hammond, Gretar Steinsson, and Jordan Miles, sold players to balance the books and deal with Victor Orta’s loan army.
Archie Gray, Kris Klaesson, Marc Roca, Diego Llorente, and Kris Klaesson were all sold for a fee. Stockport County and Sheffield United have signed Lew Bate and Jamie Shackleton on free transfers.
Liam Cooper, Cody Drameh, and Ian Poveda are still free agents, while Jack Harrison, Sonny Perkins, Sam Greenwood, and Darko Gyabi have gone out on loan. Glen Kamara might be the next player to quit Leeds.
Dan James is over the moon with one thing. The 49ers have completed
Given the number of players still on the roster, Leeds has barely progressed in the opposite direction. Alex Cairns has replaced Klaesson, but he is unlikely to enhance the starting lineup in 2024-25.
Joe Rothwell, on loan from Bournemouth, is a solid signing who adds attacking thrust to Leeds’ midfield. However, he may have been brought in to give depth rather than to be a starter in midfield.
The other new addition, however, will excite fans and will undoubtedly please James. Gray’s departure to Tottenham allowed Leeds to complete a deal for Joe Rodon. According to James, Rodon has returned in a “massive” way.
“It’s amazing that we’ve signed Joe and got him so early; he was clearly here all season, so he’ll just fit right in again. Many people, particularly supporters, would have been disappointed if we hadn’t kept Joe.
“It’s a shame to see Archie go, but it’s terrific to have Joe here. He was a huge part of our club last year, and he contributed significantly to our strong defensive record. “Getting Joe in is a very positive signing for us.”
Where else does Leeds need to improve before the opener?
With only 26 days till the season opener against Portsmouth on August 10 at Elland Road, Leeds must make some acquisitions. A right-back must be of the utmost importance moving ahead.
Gray has left, Connor Roberts is back at Burnley, and Shackleton has joined the Blades. Leeds are deficient in that area, but they are interested in signing Sheffield United forward Jayden Bogle this summer.
Cover at centre-back with Cooper and Cresswell gone, competition for Junior Firpo, a replacement for Kamara, and wingers to replace Jaidon Anthony and Poveda should all be on the agenda in the coming weeks.
